feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source

also : the information so transmitted

b

: the partial reversion (see reversion sense 3a) of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

2

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

3

: a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (such as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

Examples of feedback in a Sentence

The company uses customer feedback to improve its products.

He asked for some feedback from his boss.

The computer makes adjustments based on feedback from the sensors.

We were getting some feedback from the microphone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on employee survey feedback, 166 earned recognition as Top Workplaces. —Bob Helbig, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2026

Leadership of the Lincoln Park Zoo reviewed the plans according to the school, which said were developed with neighborhood feedback. —Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Indeed, as an outside critic of the Fed’s leadership to this point, Warsh has framed his feedback as a push for the central bank to progress. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 May 2026

Sometimes the issue is a lack of feedback, unclear direction, or limited stretch opportunities rather than capability gaps. —Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing feedback

• feedback inhibition
• negative feedback
• positive feedback

Rhymes for feedback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process

b

: noise resulting from the feedback of an amplified or broadcast signal

2

: the giving or sending of information or of something from which information can be obtained about the value, effect, or result of an action or process to the controlling source

also : the information or information-containing material so given or sent

Medical Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

: the return to the input of part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

2

a

: the partial reversion of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

b

: the return to a point of origin of evaluative or corrective information about an action or process

patient feedback was solicited

also : the information so transmitted